Sunday, August 30, 2009

My new digs...

Well, I've been seriously lacking in the blog department, so I thought I'd somewhat make up for it with a post on my new digs. I'm renting an apartment in a nice complex...two pools, two exercise rooms (which I actually plan to take advantage of), well-kept grounds and it's gated. Here's the view outside my living room window. It would really be nice if the fountain was working, but because of the drought in south Texas, no one is allowed to run fountains.

Here's what you see when you walk into the apartment. I made quite a bit of money when I sold all my furniture before I moved, so I treated myself to some new things. Since the place is small, I didn't have to buy much. And I cut corners by doing things like sewing two inexpensive Wal-Mart curtains together to get the look I wanted...total cost was about $25. Plus, my son was working at JCPenney at the time of the move where that rug was normally $250. With a 50% off sale and his discount, I got it for about $75.

There are lots of windows, so it's bright and sunny in the living and dining area. I like the arched bay windows in the dining room. I normally don't like mirrored walls, but this one is kind of nice and makes the room look bigger.

A view from the other side. No recliners in this place!

And towards the front door...

Here's looking towards the kitchen from the couch. Nutter, get off the counter!!

And here's looking through the kitchen. I was thinking of making two stained glass pieces that would fit into those two long narrow windows on each side of the center window. Wouldn't that be pretty? Especially with all the light that comes through.

Here's the little desk area where I work on my blog...among other things. I miss the windows I had in my office at the house, but it's okay.

All in all, I really like it. It's a lot smaller than the house, but that doesn't bother me...and it's less to clean! It's a very comfortable place and it's good for me for the time being. It is such a pleasure not to spend my weekends on yard work and such a relief not to worry about something going wrong with the house. I know I will eventually want to put my "stamp" on something again, but for right now, this is okay. Who knows...maybe I'll end up buying something in Mexico!

Anyway, here is a closeup of the batik I bought on Isla last time I was there. I just bought some of those boards you stretch artist canvas on and voila...a nice wall hanging! Kind of a grisly picture, I guess, but I liked the colors.

The friendly guy I bought it from, tried to tell me the story behind it, but I couldn't understand most of what he was saying! Ha!

And here's a closeup of my Mexico shelf. I like the little dolls sold by...

...these lovely ladies...

Back to the apartment. Here's the little patio area off the dining room. That door is to a little storage area.

And the view. All the trees make it very private. No one can see you sitting there, which is nice.

Since I had practice framing the batik, I thought I'd cover up this eyesore...

...the same way. So much better, right? And it only cost about ten bucks.

So that's my new place.

Now I gotta go study.

I decided to take advantage of the staff tuition discount at the university and take a Spanish course. My first class was last Wednesday. The instructor is from the Domican Republic and about 60 years old, but has a lot of energy and is funny. I heard since then that he's a good teacher and you learn a lot in his class, so that's good. It's been about 20 years since I've taken a class, so this should be interesting.

On that note, hasta luego!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice place. Looks like out of the "rich and famous" catalog. haha.
what is that certificate/degree hanging by your puter? The batic guy is little sergio.One time he told me a auto accident took his leg. Next time he told me a shark ate it. ha. I never did find the truth. But he is GREAT on a bicycle with only one leg !! Glad your settled in.
carl/debbie

jeanie said...

Wow it looks fabulous! You've done a great job in a short time. I am all about downsizing all aspects of life.

Ann said...

Beautiful looking place! You've put your stamp on it already! I vote for a place in MX--trying to convince Alan to do that,too...

Life's a Beach! said...

Deb, your place is gorgeous! You definitely have the right idea about downsizing and renting until you figure out exactly what you want your next move to be. I love all your ideas! And I'm looking for a sofa like that one for our den.

And Sergio? There's another 'rumor' on Isla that he lost his leg when he fell into a cenote running from authorities. (Hence the nickname one-legged bandit.) I've been told that one is definitely NOT true. I love all the far-fetched village gossip you hear on Isla. Of course, it's not so funny when it's about ME! So I always remember when someone tells me something that it's probably not true. LOL

Isla Deb said...

Carl - Well, I'm neither rich nor famous, but thanks for the compliment...ha! That's my bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland by my computer, by the way. You're right about Sergio being good on the bicycle with only one leg. He probably ripped me off for the batik, but what the hell...I love it...and ya' gotta love him.

Thanks, ladies! And, yes...downsizing is a big part of my life right now. I'm SOOOO glad I've gotten rid of things I haven't used in years, and probably never will.

gil garcia said...

Un apartamento muy agradable. Usted debe hablar como un natural pronto.

Vee said...

Deb, you've done a fantastic job with the apartment. I love all the windows and bright light, as well as the trees that give you privacy. Looks like the perfect place for you right now!

Islagringo said...

You have caught the perfect balance of neat and formal with warm and welcoming. Great job!

As for Sergio, we were told that back in the day when he was a drug addict, he and his brother were running from the cops when he fell and hurt his leg. He got gangrene in jail and they had to amputate. I don't think anybody will ever know the truth. But why should we? I only know two things to be true about him; he does fantastic Batik work and he NEVER washes his hands.